DOWNTOWN NEWS: Although the "official announcement" has yet to be released, I was able to confirm with City Hall that the streets between Southwest Third and Tenth Avenue, between Morrison and Yamhill Street, will soon be known as the Pioneer District.

There were several names considered before "Pioneer" was finally settled upon for what many consider as the hub of downtown's retail shopping zone.

And, word is, that there is a possibility that the boundaries may extend beyond this initial area.

But for now the new neighborhood moniker seems to be the perfect fit for a part of Portland that already has a Square, a Courthouse and a shopping center identified by that brand.